Colombo – Web Desk: India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup Group match at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and invited India to bat first, but the toss was marked by tension as both team captains did not shake hands.
India posted 175 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Salman Ali Agha in the first over. Eshan Kishan played a resilient innings, scoring 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Saeem Ayub.
Saif Ali’s bowling removed Tilak Varma (25) and Hardik Pandya (0) in the 15th over, while Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 32 at 159 runs. Other notable dismissals included Shubman Gill’s replacement Dube (27) and Axar Patel (0).
Pakistan’s Saeem Ayub was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Usman Tariq each took one. One wicket fell via a run-out.
Chasing 176, Pakistan managed only 114 runs in 18 overs, falling short by 61 runs. Pakistan’s playing XI remained unchanged, featuring Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Saeem Ayub. India made two changes to their lineup, including Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav.
The victory gives India a strong position in the group standings and highlights Pakistan’s continuing struggles in the tournament.
